The Geographic Resources Center (GRC) in the University of Missouri Department of Geography is a multidisciplinary applied research and teaching facility for geographic and remote sensing data analysis. It also serves as a resource center for information concerning applications of geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and cartography. GIS technology provides an efficient means for automating entry, manipulating and analyzing geographic data. The process of linking spatial data to descriptive attribute data is used extensively by planners, resource managers, biologists and a host of professionals to assist in decision making.

Since its establishment in 1980, the GRC has matured to a multidimensional research facility. The Center's staff has worked on more than 400 projects with public and private sector clients including MU academic units, University Extension, state agencies, federal agencies, local government, and private organizations and companies.

The GRC will assist the client in identifying the most proficient methods to implement these technologies. A plan can be developed that identifies data needs, processing steps, analytical procedures, and final output development and cost. The plan will be tailored to the client's needs and will consider both the data needs and the cost of those needs. The GRC also is prepared to assist in data base creation, which includes the conversion of mapped data and attributes to a digital format for computer compatibility. Clients working with the GIS capabilities actively participate in the project design and data base development. Analytical procedures are designed to satisfy immediate needs while considering future expansion.